The capital of Iceland’s land of ice, fire and natural wonder, Reykjavik is a city like no other - blossoming among some of the world’s most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland’s population, Reykjavik is the island’s only real city, and a welcoming and walkable place - full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios and galleries - as well as the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city's hip bars and cosy cafes, or waste no time in venturing out to Iceland’s outdoor adventures.
Reykjavik’s buildings stand together in a low huddle - below the whip of winter’s winds - but the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja church is a solid exception, with its bell tower rising resolutely over the city.
Lesen Sie mehr Iceland’s largest church's design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert Hall’s sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into the landscape, mirroring back the city and harbour. Its LED lights shimmer in honour of Iceland’s greatest illuminated performance – the northern lights.
Walk in the crusts between continents, feel the spray from bursts of geysers and witness the enduring power of Iceland’s massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the earth-heated geothermal pools, or hike to your heart’s content, you can do it all from Reykjavik - the colourful capital of this astonishing outdoor country.

2

VESTMANNAEYJAR

Island

Do 16 Sep

Donnerstag 16 Sep

07:00
-
13:00

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The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.

2

CRUISE SURTSEY

Island

Do 16 Sep

Donnerstag 16 Sep

15:00
-
16:00

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On 14 November 1963, a trawler passing the southernmost point of Iceland spotted a column of smoke rising from the sea. Expecting to find a burning boat they were surprised to find instead, explosive volcanic eruptions. They were witnessing the birth of a new island. Columns of ash reached heights of almost 30,000 feet in the sky and could be seen on clear days as far away as Reykjavík. The eruptions continued for three and a half years, ending in June 1967. Once formed, Surtsey was 492 feet above sea level and covered an area of almost 2 square miles. The island was named after the Norse fire god Surtur. It is a perfect scientific study area used to understand the colonization process of new land by plant and animal life.

3

DJUPIVOGUR

Island

Fr 17 Sep

Freitag 17 Sep

07:30
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19:00

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Slow the pace, and discover the refreshing approach to life that Djupivogur has made its trademark. You can leave your phone behind as you step out into this Icelandic town, which has won awards celebrating its leisurely outlook and stubborn rebellion against the frenetic pace of modern life. After all, who needs emails and notifications when you have some of the most humbling monochrome scenery and gashed fjords, waiting on your doorstep?
Sitting on a peninsula to the south-east of Iceland, the glacial approach to life here wins many hearts. A place where hammers knock on metal in workshops, artists ladle paint onto canvases, and wild ponies roam across mountains, Djupivogur is an uninhibited artistic hub - full of makers and creatives. The most expansive project is the 34 egg sculptures that dot the coastline, created by the Icelandic artist, Sigurður Guðmundsson. Each egg represents a different native bird species.
Lesen Sie mehr Fishing remains the primary industry, and you can savour the soft fruits of the labour in restaurants serving up smoked trout and fish soup within their cosy confines.
Wander the surrounding landscapes, where snow-freckled mountains rise, and lazy seals lie on dark rock beaches, to feel Djupivogur's natural inspiration seeping under your skin. Alive with greens and golds in summer, further ventures reveal bright blue glaciers and the sprawling waterfalls of Vatnajökull National Park. The cliff-hugging puffins of Papey Island are a short boat ride away, while Bulandstindur Mountain's pyramid shape is a stand out even among these fairy-tale landscapes.

4

TAG AUF SEE

Sa 18 Sep

Samstag 18 Sep

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Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

5

ST. KILDA

Großbritannien

So 19 Sep

Sonntag 19 Sep

07:00
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14:00

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Gloriously remote, St. Kilda is an archipelago 50 miles off the Isle of Harris. Although the four islands are uninhabited by humans, thousands of seas birds call these craggy cliffs home, clinging to the sheer faces as if by magic. Not only is St. Kilda home to the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffin (almost 1 million), but also the world largest colony Gannets nests on Boreray island and its sea stacks. The islands also home decedents of the world’s original Soay sheep as well as having a breed of eponymously named mice. The extremely rare St. Kilda wren unsurprisingly hails from St. Kilda, so birders should visit with notebook, binoculars and camera to hand.
While endemic animal species is rife on the island, St. Kilda has not been peopled since 1930 after the last inhabitants voted that human life was unsustainable.
Lesen Sie mehr However, permanent habitation had been possible in the Medieval Ages, and a vast National Trust for Scotland project to restore the dwellings is currently being undertaken. The islands even enjoyed a status as being an ideal holiday destination in the 19th century. Today, the only humans living on the islands are passionate history, science and conservation scholars. One of the caretakers even acts as shopkeeper and postmaster for any visitors who might like to send a postcard home from St. Kilda.
It should be noted that St. Kilda is the UKs only (and just one of 39 in the world) dual World Heritage status from UNESCO in recognition of its Natural Heritage and cultural significance.

6

Fort William, Scotland

Großbritannien

Mo 20 Sep

Montag 20 Sep

07:00
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19:00

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Flanked by the UK’s tallest mountain on one side and Loch Linnae on the other, Fort William – or “Bill” to the locals – is what you imagine when it comes to Scottish Highland towns. Verdant moors stretch as far as the eye can see, pastel painted houses front the water and it is not unusual to see pipers in kilts on street corners. But while Fort William may play to certain critics’ idea of a cliché, the pretty town goes far beyond tartan cushions and wee drams of Scotch (although there is a fair amount of this too!). Fort William has everything you could possibly want while in the Highlands. The High Street has plenty to keep you occupied with its good range of shops, cafes and restaurants - a lunch of locally caught seafood or the iconic haggis, neeps and tatties is a must. Because of its privileged location sitting in the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis (standing a proud 1,345 metres high) outdoor enthusiasts are especially well catered for.
Lesen Sie mehr Unsurprisingly so, as Fort William is considered the UK’s outdoor capital. But it’s not all high adrenaline sports. Certainly, those who want to climb up a rock or hurtle down white water rapids will find their nirvana, but if gentle fishing, a quiet county walk or curling up in cosy pubs warmed by an open fire are more your glass of whiskey then you’re catered for. The West Highland Museum in the centre of the town is excellent, while St Andrew's Church, towards the north end of the main street, has a very attractive interior. Also well worth a look is St Mary's Catholic Church, on Belford Road, and no visit should be considered complete without a look at the Old Fort, almost invisible to passing traffic. Add a wildlife cruise amid stunning scenery and the steam train that took Harry to Hogwarts and you can easily spend a day in this lovely port.

7

PORTREE (Isle of Skye)

Großbritannien

Di 21 Sep

Dienstag 21 Sep

07:30
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17:00

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With its pretty painted cottages, natural harbour and famous Cuillin mountain, Portree is the Scotland of your imagination. The main town of the Isle of Skye, Portree is an interesting smorgasbord of past, present and future. Boutique hotels and primary schools nestle comfortably amid weathered fishing boats and traditional farms. Add to that cinematic locations loved by both film and TV, romantic sunsets that linger for hours and a relatively easy crossing from the mainland and it’s no wonder that the island is as popular today as it was in the 18th century. “Over the sea to Skye” is not only a cornerstone of the thriving tourism industry, but a way of life.
Skye has always held a place in Scottish hearts, ever since Flora MacDonald rescued Prince Charles Edward Stuart (aka Bonnie Prince Charlie) in 1745. After she scurried him away from Hanoverian troops, the pair head for Skye, before his onward escape to France.
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The island was ruled by the clan system for centuries, in a mix of peaceful and turbulent times. Four famous clans helped shape the history of the island and many visit the island looking for their ancestral roots. Even if you’re not tracing your family tree, there is no excuse not to visit Dunvegan Castle, the only castle to have been continuously owned and occupied by the same family over eight centuries and filled with heirlooms from the Chiefs of MacLeod clan. The island’s fascinating, not to mention bloodthirsty, history will have even the most reluctant of scholar enthralled.

8

KIRKWALL (Orkney)

Großbritannien

Mi 22 Sep

Mittwoch 22 Sep

08:30
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21:30

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Scattered just off the northern tip of Scotland, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands - a scenic archipelago of fascinating, dual heritage. The Viking influence is deep, while a prehistoric past and World War history adds to the endless stories that these dramatic islands have to tell.
Sparse and beautiful, let the sweeping seascapes of frothing waves, and dance of the northern lights, enchant you as you explore. Windswept beaches are inhabited by whooping swans, while grassy cliffs hide puffins amid their wavy embrace. Sea caves and crumbling castles - and the dramatic meeting of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean add to the romantic beauty of these lands, which may be physically close to the UK, but feel an entire world away.
The sandstone St.
Lesen Sie mehr Magnus Cathedral is the centrepiece of Orkney's main town - a place of winding lanes and atmospheric walks - and Britain's northernmost cathedral is a masterpiece that took 300 years to complete. Started in 1137, the beautiful cathedral is adorned with mesmerising stain-glass windows and has been evocatively named as the Light of the North. Look down over the ruined Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces nearby from the tip of the cathedral's tower. Or, test out the islands' history-rich distilleries, which produce smokey single malts - said to be the best in the world. You can also venture out to Europe's best-preserved Stone Age Village, at the extraordinary World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, which offers an unparalleled vision into prehistoric life.

9

LERWICK SHETLAND ISLANDS

Großbritannien

Do 23 Sep

Donnerstag 23 Sep

06:30
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13:00

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Adrift between the Scottish and Norwegian coasts, the craggy Shetland Islands form the most northerly point of the British Isles. Sprawling across 100 islands, connected by sandy bridges and crisscrossing ferries, explore the highlights of this scenic archipelago outpost. With incredible Neolithic history, spanning 5,000 years of human heritage, these islands, which sit just shy of the Arctic Circle, are an isolated and immense treasure trove of history and thrilling scenery.
Look out over dramatic coastline from atmospheric Iron Age towers. Sweeping, windswept beaches and wisps of sand connect islands and rugged cliffs - stand back as the sounds of the waves smashing against the shore and calling gulls fills the air. The islands are also home to some of the most adorable four-legged creatures you’ll ever meet, the diminutive and wavy-fringed, Shetland Ponies who roam the hills and reach a maximum size of 42 inches.
Lesen Sie mehr Don't be fooled, though, they are amongst the strongest and toughest of all breeds. Their existence here points to Viking history, as local horses bred with ponies brought ashore by Norse settlers, creating the lovable crossbreed that is an icon of these islands today.
The towering Broch of Mousa is perhaps Europe’s best-preserved Iron Age building - and one of the Shetland's finest brochs - a series of round, stone towers, believed to have been constructed around 100 BC. Seals and birdlife ensure that the isolated islands are always well-populated with life - and you can embark on hikes to discover their coastal homes. Lerwick is the islands’ capital, and there's a charming welcome on offer, as you arrive before the waterfront of stone buildings, which cascade down to the shore.

10

ABERDEEN

Großbritannien

Fr 24 Sep

Freitag 24 Sep

04:30
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15:15

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The Granite City sparkles like silver in the Scottish sunshine, and there is over 8,000 years’ worth of history to dig into in this pretty city of cobbled streets and hunched cottages. Located far to the north of the British Isles, Aberdeen is third only to Edinburgh and Glasgow in terms of size. Shaped by its maritime location, granite foundations and offshore oil industry, today’s Aberdeen is a prosperous powerhouse, alive with arts and culture.
Surrounded by the Cairngorms Mountains’ sepia-hues – and the North Sea’s windswept coastline - Aberdeen was forged by the granite quarried from its earth. Local stone is everywhere from the Houses of Parliament to Waterloo Bridge – but arguably the finest examples of the material’s beauty are in the city itself. The barnacled spikes of Marischal College - the world's second largest granite building – and the grand turreted masonry of the Town House leave a lasting impression.
Lesen Sie mehr Johnston Gardens add some colour to the city’s canvas, and you'll often spot wedding dresses floating among the blooming rhododendrons and ornate bridges.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum takes visitors on a voyage through the region’s seafaring heritage, and North Sea oil exploration. Stop for a coffee and watch fishing vessels and trawlers toing and froing from the harbour, surreally mingling with city centre buildings in the unusually central harbour. Old Aberdeen is a fairy-tale walk of cobbled streets and eccentric stone houses where no stone is the same, while the Footdee fishing village, or 'fittie' as the locals pronounce it, consists of historic leaning cottages and ramshackle huts for the city's fishing community.

11

EYEMOUTH

Großbritannien

Sa 25 Sep

Samstag 25 Sep

07:00
-
14:00

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Just eight miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Eyemouth is Scotland’s first town, if you’re travelling from England. But there is nothing English about Eyemouth – oh no. The village wears its St. Andrew’s colours with pride.
Eyemouth is a seafaring place, and has been since the 13th century. There are over 60 working fishing boats in the little harbour along with a daily market selling the aforementioned spoils. The market is found on the north side of the harbour, and comes complete with a viewing deck of the coming and goings in Britain’s second busiest port. Although you do have to be quite an early riser to get the full benefit – most boats are back by 9am.
Fishing is by far the main industry in Eyemouth, and has marked its history in good ways and bad. The 1881 disaster claimed 189 lives and is still referred to as “black Friday”. As a sign of respect no fishermen go out at all now on Fridays, and anyone who did would be considered a pariah.
Lesen Sie mehr However, “black Friday” proved to be a catalyst for change and funds that poured in in the aftermath were used to build a new port, the basis of which is still in use today. The local museum in the centre of town documents the disaster in a variety of ways, including a beautifully made tapestry.
The pretty town is picture perfect and has its fair share of amusements. Coastal walks along the 90 metre craggy cliffs are unsurprisingly generous with their views, as long as you’re willing to share with the local population of skuas, puffins, shags and fulmars.

12

HULL

Großbritannien

So 26 Sep

Sonntag 26 Sep

09:30
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20:00

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Hull – or Kingston upon Hull as it is properly known – is located on the River Hull, 25 miles from the North Sea on the north east coast of England. It is one of the major cities in Yorkshire, or “God’s Own County” as it is more poetically known. With such a heady moniker, Hull has a lot to live up to.
Until recently, the city itself wouldn’t have won any beauty contests. An industrial town and main fishing port for England’s east coast, the city was near destroyed in WWII and the post Blitz architecture can leave a little to be desired. However, the city was designated as Capital of Culture in 2017, and this gave Hull the boost it needed to restore its neglected historic buildings and create a thriving, modern waterfront. The historic Old Town is now a hidden gem in the city, with cobbled streets and elegant Georgian and Edwardian buildings.
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The surrounding area is as lovely as it is expansive, and home to some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Hull is just an hour from the walled Roman city of York, a city that is hard to rival in terms of character and history. The celebrated York Minster, Northern Europe’s largest Cathedral is York’s crowning glory. The internal Gothic beauty of the Cathedral is matched by the external quirky charm of The Shambles, a 14th century street mentioned in the Doomsday Book. If you fancy something a bit more modern afterwards, then head to Bishopthorpe Road for a taste of independent boutiques, antique furniture and the (alleged) best fish’n’chips in England.

13

RAMSGATE

Großbritannien

Mo 27 Sep

Montag 27 Sep

14:00
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23:59

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This must see historic port in Ramsgate has a bustling harbour that borders a yacht packed marina giving great views and attracting visitors all year round. In the early ages, Ramsgate was just a small fishing port but developed at the end of the 17th Century as the shipping trade started to show a great importance. Proud to be England’s only Royal harbour, Ramsgate holds the mysterious St. Augustine’s church, the Grange is the first so called “modern house” situated next to the church, and both buildings were designed by Augustus Pugin who also designed the interiors of the houses of Parliament.

14

LONDON (Tower Bridge)

Großbritannien

Di 28 Sep

Dienstag 28 Sep

Ankunft
07:15
-

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Centuries-old architecture shares an instantly recognisable skyline with the modern metallic and glass shards of skyscrapers in London, a city of endless history and tradition. Arrive at the centre of it all, below the watch of one of the most famous bridges in the world, Tower Bridge. From here, you can begin a tour of iconic landmarks, and discover why England’s capital is one of the most visited, adored and adulated cities.
So much to see, so little time. The traditional and contemporary go hand in hand in London like nowhere else. Ascend the London Eye, for a birds-eye view of the city, before wandering across the Thames's wide flow to the Gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament, and the rise of Big Ben’s unmistakable clocktower. A hefty sprinkle of royal pageantry awaits at Buckingham Palace, where red-jacketed soldiers stomp sternly and solemnly in their duty, during ceremonies to mark the changing of the guards.
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Close to Tower Bridge, you’ll find the Tower of London's historic fortress, palace and prison, while bustling central markets like Borough Market offer a taste of flavours from around the world. Sweeping green spaces like Hyde Park provide spacious relief from the skyscrapers, while world-class museums exhibit finely curated exhibitions from across the world, covering the entire scope of human history and invention, as well as the natural world. Greenwich’s leafy parks and centres of refined study are close by, or a boat ride along the Thames will introduce you to this megacity from the perspective of the water.

LONDON (Tower Bridge)

Großbritannien

Mi 29 Sep

Mittwoch 29 Sep

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Centuries-old architecture shares an instantly recognisable skyline with the modern metallic and glass shards of skyscrapers in London, a city of endless history and tradition. Arrive at the centre of it all, below the watch of one of the most famous bridges in the world, Tower Bridge. From here, you can begin a tour of iconic landmarks, and discover why England’s capital is one of the most visited, adored and adulated cities.
So much to see, so little time. The traditional and contemporary go hand in hand in London like nowhere else. Ascend the London Eye, for a birds-eye view of the city, before wandering across the Thames's wide flow to the Gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament, and the rise of Big Ben’s unmistakable clocktower. A hefty sprinkle of royal pageantry awaits at Buckingham Palace, where red-jacketed soldiers stomp sternly and solemnly in their duty, during ceremonies to mark the changing of the guards.
Lesen Sie mehr
Close to Tower Bridge, you’ll find the Tower of London's historic fortress, palace and prison, while bustling central markets like Borough Market offer a taste of flavours from around the world. Sweeping green spaces like Hyde Park provide spacious relief from the skyscrapers, while world-class museums exhibit finely curated exhibitions from across the world, covering the entire scope of human history and invention, as well as the natural world. Greenwich’s leafy parks and centres of refined study are close by, or a boat ride along the Thames will introduce you to this megacity from the perspective of the water.